How Spring Break, Summer, and Holidays Affect Custody Schedules

Spring break, summer vacations, and holiday gatherings are exciting for children, but they can be a tricky time for parents navigating custody schedules. Families often face unique challenges balancing work, school breaks, and travel during these peak periods. 

Understanding Custody During School Breaks 

In Louisiana, custody schedules are designed to serve the child’s best interests. Many standard custody agreements follow the school calendar, which means: 

• Spring Break: Parents may alternate weeks or split the break based on the agreement.
• Summer Break: Extended visitation periods are common, with one parent having the child for several consecutive weeks.
• Holidays: Agreements may outline which parent has the child for specific holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

Each family’s arrangement can vary, and unexpected circumstances such as school schedules or travel plans can require flexibility and clear communication from both sides. 

Tips for Managing Visitation During Breaks

• Plan Early: Confirm your child’s school calendar and make vacation plans in advance.
• Communicate Clearly: Keep the other parent informed about travel plans, pick-up/drop-off times, and any changes.
• Document Changes: Put any agreed-upon modifications in writing to avoid misunderstandings.
• Respect the Court Order: Both parents can always agree to a change in the custody schedule to accommodate a specific vacation period or other special event.  However, if one parent disagrees, it’s important to follow the custody agreement unless officially modified by the Court.
• Seek Mediation if Needed: If disagreements arise, mediation can provide a structured, cooperative approach to resolve conflicts without going to court.

When to Consult with Our Team

As we always say, we like to be involved from the very beginning to ensure your custody schedules are agreed upon from the start. If circumstances do arise after the fact, especially when parents disagree on holiday schedules, relocation, or special events, our experienced team can help you navigate custody issues while keeping the child’s best interests at the center of everything. 

Contact our team today to discuss your custody questions and ensure your visitation schedule is fair and legally sound.

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